JP2010219895A - System, device and method for processing image, program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To distribute image data by applying top and bottom identification processing thereto. <P>SOLUTION: This system 10 for processing an image includes an image input device 22 and this device 20 for processing an image which communicates with the image input device 22. The device 20 for processing an image includes: a correction means 74 to identify a top-bottom direction on a page basis for image data which are acquired from the image input device 22 and to which interactive top and bottom identification processing is designated, and obtain temporary results of correction by the top and bottom identification processing; a screen processing means 78 to generate screen definition data of a correction acceptance screen for accepting correction to the temporary results of the image data to be transmitted to the image input device; a correction means 76 to reflect correction instructions to the temporary results in response to the correction instructions through the correction acceptance screen to determine the correction results of the top and bottom identification processing to the image data; and a distribution flow control means 70 to complete a distribution flow following the top and bottom identification processing in response to the determination of the correction results. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing technique, and more particularly to an image processing system, an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, a program, and a recording medium that distribute image data by applying top / bottom identification processing.

  In recent years, companies and public offices have digitized paper documents by linking image input devices such as multifunction peripherals and information processing devices such as personal computers and servers via a network in order to improve operational efficiency. Document distribution systems that distribute to a desired distribution destination such as a document management apparatus or a file server are becoming widespread.

  In an image reading apparatus such as a multifunction machine or a scanner, the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction of image reading are fixed on the document table. Therefore, the user usually does not have to be aware of the document placement direction. Must not. On the other hand, in recent years, MFPs have become more sophisticated, and cooperation with server devices has progressed, so that even if the orientation of some of the input documents is misplaced, the top-to-bottom direction of the image is automatically Various correction functions are provided, such as making corrections so that the top and bottom directions are aligned. As a result, the corrected image data can be obtained even if the user is not so conscious of the orientation of the original on the automatic document feeder (ADF) or the document table. .

  In the above-described top-and-bottom identification processing, the top-and-bottom direction is identified by determining the character direction in the document by character recognition processing (OCR) or the like. Further, for the purpose of quickly identifying the character direction with a smaller amount of information storage and calculation, JP-A-2006-31546 (Patent Document 1) extracts an in-line short form of a character line from an original image, Arrangement information such as starting point height and width of in-line short form is quantized at fixed stage, symbol is given to quantized arrangement information, in-line short form is converted to symbol series, and the character based on the symbol series Disclosed is a character direction identification device for creating an engram model of a line. In the technique of Patent Document 1, the ingram short form for each character line is compared by comparing the engram model stored for each character direction and its rotation direction from the reference document image with the created engram model. The arrangement tendency of the symbols is calculated, and the calculated arrangement tendency is totaled for each character direction and rotation direction to determine the character direction.

  In addition, in connection with the correction function, there is also provided a blank sheet removal function for removing a blank sheet image when a blank sheet image is mixed in the read image due to a document setting error or a sheet feed error. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-208618 (Patent Document 2) determines whether or not a read original is a blank sheet, displays a thumbnail before storing the scanned image file, and displays the displayed thumbnail. An image reading system is disclosed in which whether or not to save an image file corresponding to is set by a mark, and the above setting corresponding to a thumbnail of an image determined to be blank is set to be unsuccessful.

  According to the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, document image data that has been automatically corrected so that the top and bottom directions are aligned with a certain degree of accuracy can be provided with a small amount of information storage and calculation. However, the top-and-bottom identification process cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, and depending on the nature of the input document such as the image quality of the input document and the language used in the document, identification may not be performed with sufficient accuracy. There has been a problem that the correction is made arbitrarily in a direction not intended by the user. In such a case, in the document distribution system, the automatically corrected image data is passed to the distribution flow without correcting the error. Therefore, the user or the recipient receives the result at the distribution destination and recognizes the error. There were many problems.

  Further, the technique of Patent Document 2 makes it possible to correct an error in the blank paper removal function, but does not attempt to correct an error due to the top / bottom identification process. Further, the technique of Patent Document 2 enables to specify whether to check and save thumbnails of scanned images on the host device connected to a scanner or the like. The devices in which the results of the removal process are stored match.

  However, in the document distribution system, the image data input to the multifunction peripheral is subjected to the top / bottom identification processing by the distribution server and is distributed to the designated distribution destination. In general, the multifunction peripheral operated by the operator does not match the distribution destination device. For this reason, once passed to the distribution flow, it is difficult for the operator to confirm the result of the top and bottom identification processing before distribution, and the technique of Patent Document 2 cannot be applied to the top and bottom identification processing as it is.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and the present invention provides interactive correction means for correcting the correction result of the top / bottom identification processing applied to the image data in the distribution flow, An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing system, an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, a program, and a recording medium that can deliver high-quality image data according to the user's intention without significantly increasing the user's workload. And

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides an image processing system including an image input device and an image processing device that communicates with the image input device. The image processing apparatus according to the present invention first identifies the top-and-bottom direction for each page for image data acquired from the image input device and designated for interactive top-and-bottom identification processing, and a temporary result of correction by the top-and-bottom identification processing Get. Then, when the temporary result is obtained, the image processing apparatus generates screen definition data of a correction acceptance screen for accepting correction for the temporary result, and transmits the screen definition data to the image input apparatus.

  The image input device displays the correction acceptance screen on the display device according to the received screen definition data, and the operation device waits for an input operation on the correction acceptance screen. When the image processing apparatus receives a correction instruction from the image input apparatus via the correction reception screen, the correction is reflected in the temporary result corresponding to the correction instruction, and the correction result of the top / bottom identification process for the image data is displayed. Determine. Thereafter, in response to the determination of the correction result, the distribution flow subsequent to the top / bottom identification process is completed.

  According to the above configuration, interactive top / bottom identification processing is realized for the image data transferred from the image input device to the image processing device. As for the result of the temporary correction that has been automatically executed, an inquiry to the user is made on the correction acceptance screen, and execution of subsequent distribution processing in the distribution flow is suspended until a confirmation or correction instruction is received. Therefore, even when a correction that does not conform to the user's intention is made, the user can correct the correction so as to conform to the intention, and it is preferable that the correction is distributed without permission before the correction is reflected. To be prevented. In addition, since the user only needs to confirm the presented temporary result and give a correction instruction only when an error is recognized, a large work load is not imposed on the user.

  Note that the image data for which interactive top and bottom identification processing is designated is, for example, image data that has been designated by a distribution flow in which execution of interactive top and bottom identification processing is incorporated and passed from an image input device.

  In the present invention, the correction acceptance screen may include a GUI component that waits for a correction instruction for one or more pages reflecting the temporary result. In the present invention, the GUI component is arranged for each page, and can include a thumbnail display of the corresponding page and an operation event definition associated with the change of the correction instruction for the corresponding page.

  In the present invention, print output data for instructing multi-sided printing of thumbnails of one or more pages reflecting the temporary result can be generated and transmitted to the image input apparatus together with the screen definition data. It is possible to wait for a direct input of a correction instruction for one or more pages reflecting the result. In the present invention, the correction instruction can include designation of an image rotation direction for one or more pages. According to the above configuration, the user can confirm the temporary result presented on the screen display or print output, and can easily give a correction instruction to the page in which the error is recognized. A burden can be reduced suitably.

  The present invention also provides an image processing method performed between the image input device and the image processing device. Furthermore, according to the present invention, there are provided a device-executable program for realizing the above processing in an image processing device, and a recording medium for storing the program in a device-readable manner. In the present invention, the image processing apparatus can be configured as an individual server apparatus or can be configured integrally with the image input apparatus.

1 is a diagram illustrating a network environment of a document distribution system according to an embodiment. The figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the delivery server of this embodiment. The figure which shows the functional block implement | achieved in the document delivery system of this embodiment. The figure which shows typically the correction reception screen when (A) image data, (B) correction reception screen displayed according to image definition data, and (C) correction instruction | indication are added. The figure which shows the data structure of the temporary result by (A) automatic correction | amendment, and (B) correction content. (A) The figure which shows typically the correction acceptance screen in the case of presenting the temporary result of correction | amendment by (B) printing output by the printed matter image-formed according to printing output data. The sequence diagram which shows the document delivery process including the interactive top-and-bottom identification process performed between a delivery server and a multifunction peripheral. The sequence diagram which shows the document delivery process including the other interactive top-and-bottom identification process performed between a delivery server and a multifunction peripheral. The figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the multifunctional machine which implement | achieves the interactive top-and-bottom identification function and delivery function in other embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the embodiments shown in the drawings. In this embodiment, as an image processing system including an image input device and an image processing device, a document including a multifunction peripheral and a distribution server that performs top-and-bottom identification processing on the image data delivered from the multifunction peripheral and distributes the image data. An example using a distribution system will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a network environment of a document distribution system 10 according to the present embodiment. A document distribution system 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes a distribution server 20 and a plurality of multifunction peripherals 22a and 22b connected to each other via a network 12. In the network environment shown in FIG. 1, the distribution server 20 refers to a file server 28, a document management server 30, an SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) server 32, and a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC) as image data distribution destinations. ) 34 can be communicated.

  The network 12 is connected using a LAN (Local Area Network), a VPN (Virtual Private Network), or a dedicated line using a transaction protocol such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol). WAN (Wide Area Network) or the like. However, the network 12 is not particularly limited, and may include the Internet connected via a router (not shown), or may be configured as a wired or wireless network, or a mixed network thereof. .

  In the distribution server 20 shown in FIG. 1, an application for realizing the document distribution function is installed. The distribution server 20 receives the image data from the multifunction machine 22 and applies a series of processing to the image data according to the specified distribution flow. The distribution flow is defined in advance, and the distribution flow includes various output processes and various intermediate processes applied in the previous stage of the output process.

  Examples of output processing include file transfer to the file server 28, document registration with the document management server 30, e-mail transmission through the SMTP server 32, and file transfer to the PC 34. Examples of intermediate processing include image format conversion processing of image data, interactive top and bottom identification processing of the present embodiment, image processing processing, OCR (Optical Character Recognition) processing, sorting processing, and bibliographic information conversion processing. it can.

  A software module such as a plug-in for executing interactive top and bottom identification processing is installed in the distribution server 20 of the present embodiment, and the distribution server 20 constitutes the image processing apparatus of the present embodiment. In the interactive top-and-bottom identification processing of this embodiment, unlike the normal top-and-bottom identification processing that is automatically executed, the user is asked for confirmation and correction of the temporary result of correction by top-and-bottom identification processing, and the confirmation from the user. Alternatively, the subsequent delivery flow is suspended until a correction instruction is received.

  The multifunction device 22 is provided with a scanner function, and an application for using the document distribution function provided by the distribution server 20 is installed. The multifunction device 22 constitutes the image input device of the present embodiment. . By using this application, the operator of the multi-function peripheral 22 can specify a delivery flow to be passed after the scan process as the scan setting. When the distribution flow is designated, the multi-function device 22 generates image data by scanning processing, and then transmits the image data to the distribution server 20 to request execution of processing according to the designated distribution flow. In this embodiment, image data is referred to as including one or more pages. Further, the image data can include a file in which bibliographic information or the like is described in a structured language such as XML.

  In the network environment shown in FIG. 1, the management terminal 26 is further connected to the distribution server 20 via the network 12. The administrator of the document distribution system 10 can make various settings for the distribution server 20 by using the management terminal 26. However, the management method of the distribution system 10 is not particularly limited, and when the distribution server 20 includes a display device or an input device, the management setting can be performed directly via these input / output interfaces.

  Hereinafter, the hardware configuration of the distribution server 20 will be described in detail. FIG. 2 shows a hardware configuration of the distribution server 20 of the present embodiment. The distribution server 20 includes a microprocessor unit (MPU) 42, a non-volatile memory 44 that stores a BIOS (Basic Input Output System), and a memory 46 such as a RAM that provides an execution storage space that enables program processing by the MPU 42. It is comprised including. The MPU 42 reads out the BIOS from the nonvolatile memory 44 at the time of startup, performs system diagnosis, and manages the input / output device 56. In the present embodiment, the memory 46 provides an execution storage space for executing the top / bottom identification process.

  The MPU 42 is connected to the storage control interface 48 via the internal bus 52, and the hard disk 50 executes data writing or reading in response to an input / output request from the MPU 42. As the storage control interface 48, an interface for managing input / output of the hard disk 50 according to standards such as IDE (Integrated Device Electronics), ATA (AT Attachment), serial ATA, Ultra ATA, etc. can be used. The MPU 42 controls a serial or parallel interface 54 such as USB or IEEE 1164 via the internal bus 52, communicates with an input / output device 56 such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a printer, and receives an input from a user.

  The distribution server 20 further includes a VRAM 58 and a graphic chip 60. The distribution server 20 can process the video signal in response to a command from the MPU 42 and display the video signal on the display device 62. The MPU 42 communicates with a network I / F (NIC; Network Interface Card) 64 via the internal bus 52, and the distribution server 20 is connected to the multifunction device 22, the management terminal 26, and the distribution destination devices 28 to 34 via the network 12. Communicate with.

  The distribution server 20 reads a program (not shown) stored in a non-volatile memory 44, a hard disk 50, and other storage devices such as an NV-RAM (not shown) and an SD card (not shown). By expanding in the memory area, each functional means and each process described later are realized under an appropriate operating system (OS). The file server 28, the document management server 30, the SMTP server 32, the PC 34, the management terminal 26, and the like can also have the same configuration as the hardware configuration shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, the functional configuration of the document distribution system 10 will be described. FIG. 3 shows functional blocks implemented in the document distribution system 10 of the present embodiment. FIG. 3 shows functional blocks realized by the distribution server 20 and the multifunction device 22.

  The multi-function device 22 includes an operation panel 92 that provides a user interface for an operator to perform scan settings and scan commands, an image reading unit 90, and an image forming unit 98. More specifically, the operation panel 92 includes a display unit that controls a display device to display an operation screen on the display device, and an operation unit 96 that controls a hard key and a touch panel to receive an operation input from an operator. including. The operation panel 92 constitutes the display device and the operation device of the present embodiment.

  The image forming unit 98 controls the plotter engine and executes an image forming process in response to an output job request. The image reading unit 90 controls the scanner engine to sequentially read an image of a document set on a document table or ADF and generate image data. FIG. 4A is a diagram schematically illustrating the image data 200 generated by the image reading unit 90. As shown in FIG. 4A, the image data 200 includes one or more pages 202a to 202d corresponding to each read original. The arrows shown on each page 202 schematically represent the actual top-and-bottom direction of the document. Since the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction of image reading are fixed on the document table, as shown in FIG. 4A, when the document is set with the top and bottom directions mixed, The image data 200 is generated in a state where the top and bottom directions are mixed.

  3 again, the distribution server 20 includes a distribution flow control unit 70 that controls application of a series of processes to the image data received from the multifunction device 22. Further, the distribution server 20 includes a top / bottom identification correction unit 72 and a distribution processing unit 80 as processing modules called from the distribution flow control unit 70. The distribution flow control unit 70 calls processing means such as the top / bottom identification correction unit 72 and the distribution processing unit 80 according to the designated distribution flow, and advances the process applied to the image data passed from the multifunction device 22. Control. The distribution flow control unit 70 provides the distribution flow control means of this embodiment. In the following description, it is assumed that the distribution flow includes interactive top and bottom identification processing according to the present embodiment.

  The distribution server 20 further includes a screen processing unit 78 and a print command unit 82, and the top / bottom identification correction unit 72 includes a temporary correction unit 74 and a correction result correction unit 76 in more detail. The temporary correction unit 74 and the correction result correction unit 76 provide the correction unit and the correction unit of the present embodiment, respectively. The screen processing unit 78 and the print command unit 82 provide the screen processing unit and the print command unit of this embodiment, respectively. When the top / bottom identification process is called from the distribution flow control unit 70, the temporary correction unit 74 first identifies the top / bottom direction and corrects the top / bottom direction for each page of the image data to be processed. In this top-and-bottom identification process, the character direction in each page is determined by a character direction determination process using character recognition (OCR) or an N-gram model, thereby identifying the top-and-bottom direction. When the top and bottom direction of each page is identified, an image rotation angle to be applied to each page is calculated so that the top and bottom directions are aligned, and image rotation processing is performed on each page. Note that the top and bottom identification processing by the temporary correction unit 74 can be performed using any known method.

  When the automatic correction by the top and bottom identification and the image rotation is completed, the temporary correction unit 74 passes the temporary result of the correction to the screen processing unit 78 or the print command unit 82. The screen processing unit 78 is processing means for displaying a temporary result on the display device of the multi-function device 22 and presenting it to the user. On the other hand, the print command unit 82 is a processing unit for printing out the temporary result by the image forming unit 98 of the multifunction machine 22 and presenting it to the user. The method of presenting the temporary result to the user is designated as, for example, a scan setting, and the temporary correction unit 74 sends the temporary result to either the screen processing unit 78 or the print command unit 82 according to the designation. hand over.

  FIG. 5A shows an example of a data structure of a temporary result by automatic correction according to this embodiment. The temporary result data 100 shown in FIG. 5A includes a field 100a in which a page number is input, a field 100b in which the presence / absence of correction by the temporary correction unit 74 is input, and a field in which a rotation angle at the time of correction is input. 100c. In the temporary result data 100 shown in FIG. 5A, the first page and the fourth page are rotated counterclockwise by 90 ° and rotated clockwise by 90 °, respectively. And the third page is not corrected.

  Referring to FIG. 3 again, the screen processing unit 78 generates screen definition data for defining a correction acceptance screen for the operator to correct the correction result using the temporary result passed from the top / bottom identification correction unit 72. To the multifunction device 22. The screen definition data includes a temporary result by the above correction. In addition, the screen definition data includes a placement instruction for a graphical user interface (GUI) part that waits for a correction instruction for each page on which the temporary result is reflected, and a correction instruction for a corresponding page associated with an operation event for this GUI part. The definition of changes can be included. Then, the display unit 94 of the multifunction device 22 displays the correction acceptance screen on the display device according to the received screen definition data.

  FIG. 4B is a diagram schematically showing the correction acceptance screen 210 displayed according to the image definition data. The correction acceptance screen 210 shown in FIG. 4B includes a message 212 for the operator, an OK button 214 for confirming the correction contents, and thumbnail displays 216a to 216d of each page reflecting the temporary results. Since the multifunction device 22 usually has image-read data, the above-described screen definition data itself may not include an image file for thumbnail display. A thumbnail image may be generated by creating a reduced image from the data and performing image rotation processing according to the temporary result passed.

  When a large number of pages are included, buttons 218a and 218b for changing the setting target range as shown in FIG. 4B may be arranged on the correction acceptance screen 210. In the correction acceptance screen 210 of the present embodiment, each thumbnail display is defined to change the correction content of the corresponding page in association with an operation event such as a touch on the thumbnail display. Note that the thumbnail display constitutes the GUI component of this embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 4B, it is possible to change the rotation angle every 90 ° as a correction instruction for the corresponding page by touching the thumbnail display.

  Note that the configuration of the correction acceptance screen 210 is not particularly limited to the example shown in FIG. In another embodiment, for example, a thumbnail enlargement display function can be provided, or a thumbnail display of a page that has been corrected in the temporary result can be highlighted. In the top-to-bottom identification process, a measure of the probability of top-and-bottom direction identification is calculated from information related to the certainty of character recognition used for character-direction determination, and if it is output as a temporary result, such certainty Depending on the scale, more uncertain things can be highlighted.

  FIG. 4C is a diagram illustrating a screen display when a correction instruction is given. In the correction acceptance screen 210 of FIG. 4B, for example, when the thumbnail display of the second page is touched twice and the thumbnail display of the fourth page is touched three times, the screen display shown in FIG. Transition. FIG. 4C shows a state in which the thumbnail display 216b, d on the second page and the fourth page is changed. Then, when the correction content for the correction result is determined via the correction acceptance screen 210 by, for example, the operator touching the OK button 214, the correction content is transmitted to the distribution server 20.

  FIG. 5B shows an example of the data structure of the correction contents of this embodiment. The correction content data 110 shown in FIG. 5B includes a field 110a in which a page number is input, a field 110b in which correction necessity is input, and a field 110c in which a rotation angle by the correction is input. In the correction content data 110 shown in FIG. 5B, the second and fourth pages are instructed to be corrected by a clockwise rotation of 180 ° and a counterclockwise rotation of 90 °, respectively. Correction is not required for the third and third pages.

  Referring again to FIG. 3, when the temporary result is presented to the user by print output, the print command unit 82 uses the temporary result passed from the top / bottom identification correction unit 72 to allow the operator to check the correction result. Is generated and transmitted to the multi-function device 22. The print output data includes a temporary result of the correction, and includes a command for printing multiple thumbnails of each page on which the temporary result is reflected. Also in this case, the screen processing unit 78 generates screen definition data for defining a correction acceptance screen for the operator to correct the correction result, and transmits the screen definition data to the multi-function device 22. In the multi-function device 22, the image forming unit 98 prints out according to the print output data, and at the same time, the display unit 94 displays a correction acceptance screen on the display device according to the screen definition data.

  FIG. 6A is a diagram schematically showing a printed matter on which an image is formed according to the print output data. A printed matter 220 shown in FIG. 6A is a multi-sided print of image data reflecting temporary results, and includes thumbnails 222a to 222d for each page. FIG. 6B is a diagram schematically illustrating a correction acceptance screen 240 when a temporary correction result is presented by printout. The correction acceptance screen 240 shown in FIG. 6B includes a message 242 for the operator, an OK button 244 for confirming correction contents, a text box 246 for inputting the number of the page to be corrected, and a corresponding page. And a text box 248 for directly inputting the rotation angle at the time of correction. Note that the text boxes 246 and 248 constitute the GUI component of this embodiment. When the operator touches the OK button 244 to instruct the determination of the correction contents for the correction result, the correction contents shown in FIG. 5B including the values stored in the text boxes 246 and 248 are distributed. It is transmitted to the server 20.

  Referring again to FIG. 3, when the distribution server 20 receives the correction content, the correction result correction unit 76 of the top / bottom identification correction unit 72 reflects the correction content on the temporary result by the temporary correction unit 74 to perform the top / bottom identification process. Confirm the final correction result by. Then, the process is returned to the distribution flow control unit 70. Then, the distribution flow control unit 70 executes subsequent processing that has been suspended until the interactive top-and-bottom identification processing is completed, and completes the specified distribution flow. Note that the interactive top-and-bottom identification processing of the present embodiment may be specified at any stage of the distribution flow consisting of a series of processing flows, and includes other processing before the top-and-bottom identification processing. Not disturb.

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the flow of document distribution processing including interactive top and bottom identification processing according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating document distribution processing including interactive top and bottom identification processing performed between the distribution server 20 and the multifunction device 22. Note that the processing flow shown in FIG. 7 corresponds to the case where the temporary result is displayed on the display device of the multifunction device 22. The process shown in FIG. 7 is started when the scanner application is started by the operator of the multifunction machine 22.

  In step S <b> 101, various setting input operations are performed from the operator via the operation panel 92, and scan settings are transferred to the image reading unit 90. This scan setting can include designation of a distribution flow for passing scanned image data, input of bibliographic information, designation of various scan conditions, and the like. In the following description, it is assumed that the distribution flow includes a first stage interactive top and bottom correction process and a second stage folder distribution process that follows. In step S <b> 102, a scan command is issued to the image reading unit 90 in response to a scan start instruction from the operator via the operation panel 92.

  In step S <b> 103, the image reading unit 90 operates the scanner engine to execute image reading processing of the set original and generate scan image data. When the image reading process is completed, in step S104, the image reading unit 90 transmits image data together with a distribution request according to a predetermined distribution flow, and the distribution flow control unit 70 receives the distribution request and the image data. In step S105, the distribution flow control unit 70 calls up the top / bottom identification process, which is the first-stage process in the specified distribution flow. When the top / bottom identification process is called, the temporary correction unit 74 identifies the top / bottom direction for each page with respect to the image data in step S106, rotates the image of each page so that the top / bottom direction is aligned, and step S107. Thus, the obtained temporary result of correction is passed to the screen processing unit 78.

  In step S108, the screen processing unit 78 generates the screen definition data of the correction acceptance screen 210 shown in FIG. 4B according to the temporary result, and transmits the generated screen definition data to the multi-function device 22 in step S109. . In step S110, the operation panel 92 displays the correction acceptance screen 210 on the display device according to the screen definition data, and monitors the input operation on the correction acceptance screen 210.

  In step S <b> 111, when the correction instruction and the correction content are determined by the operator, the determined correction content is transmitted from the multi-function peripheral 22 to the distribution server 20 and passed to the correction result correction unit 76. In step S112, the correction result correction unit 76 reflects the correction contents in the temporary correction result by the top-and-bottom identification process, and returns the process to the distribution flow control unit 70 in step S113. In step S114, the distribution flow control unit 70 calls the distribution processing unit 80 for the subsequent distribution process. In step S115, the distribution processing unit 80 performs distribution processing to distribution destinations 28 to 34 such as a file server in accordance with the contents of the distribution processing defined in the designated distribution flow.

  FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating a document distribution process including another interactive top and bottom identification process performed between the distribution server 20 and the multifunction device 22. Note that the processing flow shown in FIG. 8 corresponds to a case where a temporary result by print output is displayed. The processing shown in FIG. 8 is started when the scanner application is started by the operator of the multifunction machine 22.

  In step S <b> 201, various setting input operations are performed by the operator, and scan settings are transferred to the image reading unit 90. In the scan setting in this case, for example, presentation of a temporary result of correction by print output is designated. In step S <b> 202, a scan command is issued to the image reading unit 90 in response to a scan start instruction from the operator via the operation panel 92.

  In step S203, the image reading unit 90 executes image reading processing and generates image data. In step S <b> 204, the image reading unit 90 transmits image data together with the distribution request to the distribution flow control unit 70 of the distribution server 20. In step S205, the distribution flow control unit 70 calls up the top / bottom identification process, which is the first-stage process in the specified distribution flow. When the top / bottom identification process is called, the temporary correction unit 74 performs correction by the top / bottom identification process for each page of the received image data in step S206, and in step S207, the temporary correction result is printed as a print command 82. To pass.

  In step S208, the print command unit 82 generates print output data according to the passed temporary result, and transmits the generated print output data to the multi-function device 22 in step S209. In step S210, the image forming unit 98 prints out the temporary correction result by the top / bottom identification process according to the print output data. In parallel with the generation of the print output data, after step S206, in step S211, the temporary correction unit 74 requests the screen processing unit 78 to generate screen definition data of the correction acceptance screen 240.

  The screen processing unit 78 generates screen definition data for the correction acceptance screen 240 shown in FIG. 6B in step S212, and transmits the screen definition data to the multi-function device 22 in step S213. In step S214, the operation panel 92 displays the correction acceptance screen 240 on the display device according to the screen definition data, and monitors the input operation on the correction acceptance screen 240.

  In step S <b> 215, when the correction instruction and the correction content are determined by the operator, the determined correction content is transmitted from the multi-function peripheral 22 to the distribution server 20 and passed to the correction result correction unit 76. In step S216, the correction result correction unit 76 reflects the correction contents in the temporary correction result by the top-and-bottom identification process, and returns the process to the distribution flow control unit 70 in step S217. In step S218, the distribution flow control unit 70 calls the distribution processing unit 80, and in step S219, the distribution processing unit 80 performs distribution processing according to the content of the distribution processing defined in the distribution flow.

  According to the embodiment described above, interactive top-and-bottom identification processing for the image data transferred from the multifunction device 22 to the distribution server 20 is realized. About the temporary result of the correction automatically executed by the temporary correction unit 74, the execution of the subsequent distribution process in the distribution flow is suspended until an inquiry to the user through the correction acceptance screens 210 and 240 occurs and the confirmation or correction instruction is received. The Therefore, even when a correction that does not conform to the user's intention is made, the user can correct the correction so as to conform to the intention, and it is preferable that the correction is distributed without permission before the correction is reflected. To be prevented. In addition, the user can confirm the temporary result on the display screen or the thumbnail on the printed material, and only give an instruction for correction only when an error is recognized. The work burden can be reduced suitably.

  In the above description, the embodiment in which the distribution server 20 and the multifunction device 22 are configured as separate devices has been described. However, depending on the scale of the document distribution system 10, the distribution server function can be incorporated in the multifunction peripheral itself. Alternatively, both the image input function and the document distribution function can be configured in a single multifunction device, and the image can be directly distributed from the multifunction device to which the image has been input to a desired distribution destination. Hereinafter, a multi-function device that functions as a distribution server according to another embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of the hardware configuration of the multifunction machine 300. The multifunction machine 300 includes a controller 302, an operation panel 340, an FCU (facsimile control unit) 334, and an engine unit 336. The controller 302 includes a CPU 304, an NB (North Bridge) 308, an ASIC 310 connected to the CPU 304 via the NB 308, and a system memory 306. The ASIC 310 executes various types of image processing and is connected to the NB 308 via an AGP (Accelerated Graphic Port) 338. A system memory 306 provides an execution storage space for the top and bottom identification processing, and is used as a drawing memory or the like.

  The ASIC 310 is connected to a local memory 312, a hard disk drive (hereinafter referred to as an HDD) 314, and a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory (hereinafter referred to as an NV-RAM) 316. The local memory 312 is used as a copy image buffer or a code buffer, and the HDD 314 is a storage for storing image data, document data, programs, font data, form data, and the like. The NV-RAM 316 stores a program for controlling the MFP 300, various system information, and various setting information.

  The controller 302 further includes an SB (South Bridge) 318, an NIC 320, an SD (Secure Digital) card slot 322, a USB interface 324, an IEEE 1394 interface 326, and a Centronics interface 328, which are It is connected to the NB 308 via the PCI bus 330. The SB 318 is a bridge for connecting the NB 308 to a ROM or a PCI bus peripheral device (not shown). The NIC 320 is an interface device that connects the MFP 300 to a network such as the Internet or a LAN, and accepts commands via the network. The SD card slot 322 is detachably mounted with an SD card (not shown). The USB interface 324, the IEEE 1394 interface 326, and the Centronics interface 328 are interfaces conforming to the respective standards, and accept print jobs and the like.

  The operation panel 340 is connected to the ASIC 310 of the controller 302 and provides a user interface for receiving input of various instructions from the operator and displaying a screen. The FCU 334 and the engine unit 336 are connected to the ASIC 310 via the PCI bus 332. The FCU 334 executes a communication method conforming to a facsimile communication standard such as G3 or G4. The engine unit 336 receives a print command or a scan command issued by the application, and executes an image forming process or an image reading process.

  The multi function device 300 reads a program (not shown) stored in a storage device such as the NV-RAM 316, the HDD 314, or other SD card (not shown), and expands it in a memory area such as the system memory 306. Under the appropriate operating system (OS), the above-described functional means and processing as each distribution server are realized. Note that the multi-function device 22 operating as an external image input device can also have the same configuration as the hardware configuration shown in FIG.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the distribution flow, an interactive correction means for correcting the correction result of the top / bottom identification processing applied to the image data is provided, and the work load is greatly increased. In addition, it is possible to provide an image processing system, an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, a program, and a recording medium that can deliver high-quality image data according to the user's intention.

  In the above-described embodiment, the multifunction apparatus is used as an example of the image input apparatus. However, the image input apparatus can be configured as another image input apparatus such as a network scanner or a facsimile.

  The above functions can be realized by computer-executable programs written in legacy programming languages such as assembler, C, C ++, C #, Java (registered trademark), object-oriented programming languages, and the like, such as ROM, EEPROM, EPROM, Store in a device-readable recording medium such as flash memory, flexible disk, CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, Blu-ray disc, SD card, MO, or distribute it through an electric communication line can do.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described so far, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and those skilled in the art may conceive other embodiments, additions, modifications, deletions, and the like. It can be changed within the range that can be done, and any embodiment is included in the scope of the present invention as long as the effects of the present invention are exhibited.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Document delivery system, 12 ... Network, 20 ... Delivery server, 22 ... Multifunction machine, 26 ... Management terminal, 28 ... File server, 30 ... Document management server, 32 ... SMTP server, 34 ... PC, 42 ... MPU, 44 ... Non-volatile memory, 46 ... Memory, 56 ... Input / output device, 52 ... Internal bus, 48 ... Storage control interface, 50 ... Hard disk, 54 ... Interface, 58 ... VRAM, 60 ... Graphic chip, 62 ... Display device, 64 ... NIC, 70 ... delivery flow control unit, 72 ... top and bottom identification correction unit, 74 ... temporary correction unit, 76 ... correction result correction unit, 78 ... screen processing unit, 80 ... delivery processing unit, 82 ... print command unit, 90 ... Image reading section, 92 ... Operation panel, 94 ... Display section, 96 ... Operation section, 98 ... Image forming section, 100 ... Temporary result data, 110 ... Correct data 200, image data, 210 ... correction reception screen, 212 ... message, 214 ... OK button, 220 ... printed matter, 222 ... thumbnail, 240 ... correction reception screen, 242 ... message, 244 ... OK button, 246 ... text Box, 248 ... Text box, 300 ... Multifunction device, 302 ... Controller, 304 ... CPU, 306 ... System memory, 308 ... NB, 310 ... ASIC, 312 ... Local memory, 314 ... HDD, 316 ... NV-RAM, 318 ... SB, 320 ... NIC, 322 ... SD card slot, 324 ... USB interface, 326 ... IEEE1394 interface, 328 ... Centronics interface, 330 ... PCI bus, 332 ... PCI bus, 334 ... FCU, 336 ... engine part, 38 ... AGP, 340 ... operation panel

JP 2006-31546 A JP 2007-208618 A

Claims (14)

An image processing system including an image processing device that communicates with an image input device, wherein the image processing device includes:
Correction means for identifying the top-and-bottom direction for each page for image data acquired from the image input device for which interactive top-and-bottom identification processing is designated, and obtaining a temporary result of correction by the top-and-bottom identification processing;
Screen processing means for generating screen definition data of a correction acceptance screen for accepting corrections to the temporary result of the image data, and transmitting to the image input device;
Corresponding to the correction instruction via the correction reception screen, the correction means for reflecting the correction instruction in the temporary result and confirming the correction result of the top and bottom identification processing for the image data;
A delivery flow control means for completing a delivery flow subsequent to the top and bottom identification processing in response to the determination of the correction result;
Image processing system.   The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the correction acceptance screen includes a GUI component that waits for a correction instruction for one or more pages in which the temporary result is reflected.   The image processing system according to claim 2, wherein the GUI component is arranged for each page, and includes a thumbnail display of the corresponding page and a definition of an operation event associated with a change of a correction instruction for the corresponding page. The image processing device generates print output data for instructing multi-sided printing of thumbnails of one or more pages on which the temporary result is reflected, and transmits the print output data together with the screen definition data to the image input device;
The image processing system according to claim 2, wherein the GUI component waits for direct input of a correction instruction for one or more pages in which the temporary result is reflected.   The image processing system according to claim 2, wherein the correction instruction includes designation of an image rotation direction for the one or more pages.   The image processing system includes the image input device, and the image input device includes a display device that displays the correction acceptance screen according to the screen definition data, and an operation device that receives an input operation on the correction acceptance screen. Item 6. The image processing system according to any one of Items 1 to 5. An image processing device that communicates with an image input device, the image processing device comprising:
Correction means for identifying the top-and-bottom direction for each page for image data acquired from the image input device for which interactive top-and-bottom identification processing is designated, and obtaining a temporary result of correction by the top-and-bottom identification processing;
Screen processing means for generating screen definition data of a correction acceptance screen for accepting correction to the temporary result of the image data;
Corresponding to the correction instruction via the correction reception screen, the correction means for reflecting the correction instruction in the temporary result and confirming the correction result of the top and bottom identification processing for the image data;
An image processing apparatus comprising: distribution flow control means for completing a distribution flow subsequent to the top / bottom identification processing in response to determination of the correction result.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the correction reception screen includes a GUI component that waits for a correction instruction for one or more pages in which the temporary result is reflected.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the GUI component is arranged for each page, and includes a thumbnail display of the corresponding page and an operation event definition associated with a correction instruction change for the corresponding page.   The image processing apparatus generates print output data instructing multi-sided printing of thumbnails of one or more pages reflecting the temporary result, and the GUI component corrects one or more pages reflecting the temporary result. The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the image processing apparatus waits for direct input of an instruction. An image processing method performed between an image input device and an image processing device communicating with the image input device,
The image processing apparatus identifies the top / bottom direction for each page of the image data specified by the interactive top / bottom identification processing acquired from the image input device, and obtains a temporary result of correction by the top / bottom identification processing. Steps,
The image processing device generates screen definition data of a correction acceptance screen that accepts corrections to the temporary result of the image data, and transmits the screen definition data to the image input device;
In response to the correction instruction via the correction acceptance screen, the image processing apparatus reflects the correction instruction in the temporary result, and determines the correction result of the top and bottom identification processing for the image data;
And a step of completing a subsequent distribution flow subsequent to the top / bottom identification process in response to the determination of the correction result. The image input device displaying the correction acceptance screen on a display device provided in the image input device according to the screen definition data;
The image processing according to claim 11, further comprising: the image input device transmitting the correction instruction in response to an input operation on the correction acceptance screen via an operation device provided in the image input device. Method.   An apparatus-executable program for implementing each unit according to any one of claims 7 to 10 in an image processing apparatus.   14. A recording medium for storing the device-executable program according to claim 13 in a device-readable manner.

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